Cited by 91Diversity and Impact of DanceConnective tissue disorders researchMusicians’ Health and Performance

Generalized joint hypermobility in professional dancers: a sign of talent or vulnerability?

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Scheper, M. C., de Vries, J. E., de Vos, R., Verbunt, J., Nollet, F., Engelbert, R. H. H.·2013·Rheumatology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) in professional dancers on physical fitness, musculoskeletal complaints and psychological distress. METHODS: Thirty-six professional dancers were recruited and compared with control subjects (mean age 20.1, range 17-27). Height, weight, Beighton score, physical fitness (walking distance, muscle strength, estimated VO2max), musculoskeletal complaints (pain, fatigue) and psychological distress (anxiety, depression) were measured. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed, in between-group analysis, that dancers (with and without GJH) had higher physical fitness [the six-minute walk test (6MWT): ΔD = +8.4%, P = 0.001; VO2max: ΔD = +12.8%, P = 0.01], fatigue (checklist individual strength: ΔD = +80.3%, P < 0.0001) and greater psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: ΔD = +115.0%, P < 0.0001). When comparing dancers and control subjects with GJH to those without GJH, lower levels of physical fitness (muscle strength: ΔD = -11.3%, P < 0.0001; 6MWT: ΔD = -9.9%, P < 0.0001), more fatigue (checklist individual strength: ΔD = +84.4%, P < 0.0001) and greater psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: ΔD = +79.6%, P < 0.0001) were observed in subjects with GJH. Multivariate analysis showed that dancers have higher levels of physical fitness (6MWT, P = 0.001; VO2max, P = 0.020); however, when taking GJH into account, this advantage disappeared, indicating lower levels of physical fitness in comparison with control subjects (6MWT, P = 0.001; muscle strength, P < 0.0001; VO2max, P = 0.040). Dancers experienced more fatigue (P = 0.001) and psychological distress (P < 0.0001). This was associated with even more fatigue (P = 0.010) and psychological distress (P = 0.040) when GJH was present. CONCLUSION: Dancers with GJH seem more vulnerable to musculoskeletal and psychological complaints. In addition, GJH was also associated with lower physical fitness, despite training. Caregivers for professional dancers should monitor closely the physical capabilities and the amount of psychological strain.

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Crossref · 10.1093/rheumatology/kes220

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Authors
Scheper, M. C., de Vries, J. E., de Vos, R., Verbunt, J., Nollet, F., & Engelbert, R. H. H.
Affiliations
Maastricht University Medical Centre (NL)
Venue
Rheumatology
Published
2012-08-25
Volume
52
Issue
4
Pages
651-658
ISSN
  • 1462-0324 (ISSN-L)
  • 1462-0332
OpenAlex
W2147829929
Cited by
91
References
46
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 1
FWCI
5.58
Type
journal article
Language
en
Licence
other-oa
Locations
  • Lara D. Veeken (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (publishedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Diversity and Impact of Dance
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Connective tissue disorders research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Musicians’ Health and Performance
Keywords
generalized joint hypermobility, professional dancers, physical fitness, musculoskeletal symptoms, psychological distress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, Beighton score, VO2max, muscle strength, walking distance, injury risk, talent retention, talent development, talent loss
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Anxiety, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dancing, Depression, Fatigue, Female, Humans, Joint Instability, Occupational Diseases, Pain, Physical Fitness, Stress, Psychological, Case-Control Studies, Muscle Strength, Young Adult

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